What’s Hot Now in Medicine

Definition: Wheezing is a high-pitched sound, commonly said to resemble a whistle, heard when air flows through partially obstructed airways. Wheezing is often louder during exhalation, however it may be heard during inhalation as well.

Wheezing can be heard in patients with asthma, COPD, emphysema, and other obstructive lung diseases because the airways of these patients have narrowed, creating smaller passages for the air to pass through the respiratory tract.

Wheezing is generally caused by obstruction in the bronchioles because those airways are the smallest and therefore can become obstructed easier. Although rare due to their diameter size, the bronchi can cause wheezing if obstruction is severe.

Share This

Definition: The term walking pneumonia is used to describe pneumonia that is not severe enough to bedridden or hospitalize the infected person. Walking pneumonia is caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a microscopic organism related to bacteria.

Signs and symptoms of walking pneumonia are generally mild and appear gradually. Treatment typically includes antibiotics.

Share This

Definition: A tracheotomy is a surgical procedure that is usually done in the operating room under general anesthesia. A tracheotomy is an incision into the trachea (windpipe) that forms a temporary or permanent opening which is called a tracheostomy. Sometimes the terms “tracheotomy” and “tracheostomy” are used interchangeably. The opening, or hole, is called a stoma.

Share This

Definition: The trachea is more commonly known as the windpipe. The trachea extends between the larynx and the bronchi. The trachea is a rigid structure formed of rings of cartilage to help keep the airways open. The trachea is lined with mucus membranes which add moisture to the air as it passes through the trachea. The trachea is lined with cilia that sweep mucus and small particles back up the airway.

Share This

Definition: The thorax is the part of the body between the neck and the diaphragm that is partially encased by the ribs and contain the heart and lungs.

Share This

Surfactant is any substance that acts to alter surface tensions, such as those in the lungs. This substance reduces the surface tension within the alveoli, preventing them from collapsing.

Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome is caused by a lack of pulmonary surfactant. The alveoli collapse and prevent the infant from breathing properly.

Share This